Become a Contract Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you looking to pivot your career toward a mission-driven organization? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively seeking dedicated Contract Specialists to join its Office of Procurement. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the VA can deliver the high-quality care and support our nation's Veterans deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Contract Specialist, your duties extend beyond basic purchasing. You will:

Coordinate contracting activities and perform technical contract reviews.
Serve as a key advisor on acquisition planning teams.
Manage the full lifecycle of complex contracts using eCMS, FPDS, and IFCAP.
Act as the Source Selection Authority (SSA) when authorized.
Conduct negotiations and formulate pre-negotiation objectives.
Provide mentorship to junior staff to ensure organizational growth.

Core Competencies Comparison

Skill Category	Importance	Primary Application
Acquisition Strategy	Critical	Market research & milestone planning
Contract Law	Critical	Regulatory compliance & terminations
Negotiation	Critical	Pricing determination & vendor relations
Financial Systems	Required	Reporting & budget management

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must demonstrate:

A minimum of four years of contracting-related experience.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
A Bachelor’s degree including at least 24 semester hours in business, finance, or accounting-related fields.
U.S. Citizenship and the ability to pass a background/suitability investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $106,437 to $138,370 per year. This compensation reflects the high level of technical mastery and leadership expected of a GS-13 professional within the federal system.

Benefits

Joining the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:

Extensive health insurance choices.
Participation in the federal pension system and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual leave and federal holidays.
Training and continuous professional development opportunities.

Application Tips

Ensure your application stands out by adhering to the two-page resume limit and providing granular detail regarding your past responsibilities. Be prepared for a comprehensive online assessment, as it is a mandatory part of the evaluation process.

Working for the VA as a Contract Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in public service. If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise to manage complex federal acquisitions, we encourage you to apply and help support our Veterans.

Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters

Advance your federal procurement career while supporting the vital mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs in a role that combines strategic leadership and expert contract management.

Contract Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist to join the Office of Procurement. This professional role involves managing complex procurement cycles for supplies and services, ensuring adherence to strict federal acquisition regulations. You will serve as a key point of contact for acquisition planning, solicitation, negotiation, and contract administration, ultimately contributing to the VA’s ability to provide world-class care to our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Contract Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Completion of mandatory training for GS-13 level contracting positions.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields.
At least 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business, accounting, finance, law, or related management fields.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Contracting Officer Warrant within specified timelines.
Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist

Expert mastery of VA and federal acquisition regulations.
Advanced proficiency in cost/price analysis and negotiation techniques.
Proven experience acting as a Source Selection Authority (SSA).
Strong ability to manage complex contracts, including terminations, claims, and closeouts.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior contract specialists.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual policies.
✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job

Create or update your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your two-page resume.
Submit your resume, transcripts, and any required supporting documentation (SF-50, etc.).
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Complete the USA Hire assessment as prompted after initial application submission.
Monitor your status via the online tracking portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year).
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
Set aside three hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting if possible, though links are reusable.
Clearly document your experience with electronic systems like eCMS or IFCAP.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties; use specific examples of your impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires working on-site at VA-owned or leased facilities in accordance with return-to-office policies.

What is the policy regarding resume length?

Federal regulations now require that resumes for this position be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will lead to disqualification.

What if I do not have federal contracting experience?

You must meet the specialized experience requirements (at least one year at the GS-12 level or equivalent) to qualify. Relevant civilian or private sector experience is considered if it aligns with the duties described.

Job from Department Of Veterans Affairs Headquarters

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a Contract Specialist within the Office of Procurement, you play a vital role in this mission, managing the acquisition of the essential supplies and services that power VA facilities nationwide.